The Xmas tree recycle

Its not really gardening season but I was  bored the other day when I started to recycle the Xmas tree.
I did cut of the branches which left me with a rather funny looking stem. Instead of chopping of all and hiding away the Xmas stand for a year I decided to fill the stand with earth and plant some beans.

I wonder if it is too cold or if I am look and these French runner beans I planted make their way up along the old Xmas tree and I can harvest some in a few months ?
So far the Irish winter was really mild, so I will let you know the result in spring.